Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

Essential idea: Some quantities have direction and
magnitude, others have magnitude only, and this
understanding is the key to correct manipulation of
quantities. This sub-topic will have broad
applications across multiple fields within physics and
other sciences.
Nature of science: Models: First mentioned explicitly in
a scientific paper in 1846, scalars and vectors
reflected the work of scientists and mathematicians
across the globe for over
300 years on representing
measurements in threedimensional space.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Understandings:
Vector and scalar quantities
Combination and resolution of vectors
Applications and skills:
Solving vector problems graphically and algebraically

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Guidance:
Resolution of vectors will be limited to two
perpendicular directions
Problems will be limited to addition and subtraction of
vectors and the multiplication and division of vectors
by scalars
Data booklet reference:
AH = A cos
AV
A
AV = A sin

AH

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
International-mindedness:
Vector notation forms the basis of mapping across the
globe
Theory of knowledge:
What is the nature of certainty and proof in
mathematics?

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Utilization:
Navigation and surveying (see Geography SL/HL
syllabus: Geographic skills)
Force and field strength (see Physics sub-topics 2.2,
5.1, 6.1 and 10.1)
Vectors (see Mathematics HL sub-topic 4.1;
Mathematics SL sub-topic 4.1)
Aims:
Aim 2 and 3: this is a fundamental aspect of scientific
language that allows for spatial representation and
manipulation of abstract concepts

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size)
and a spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).
EXAMPLE: A force is a push or a pull, and is measured
in newtons. Explain why it is a vector.
SOLUTION: Suppose Joe is pushing Bob with a force of
100 newtons to the north.
Then the magnitude of the force is 100 n.
The direction of the force is north.
Since the force has both magnitude and direction, it is
a vector.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size)
and a spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).
EXAMPLE: Explain why time is a scalar.
SOLUTION: Suppose Joe times a foot race and the
winner took 45 minutes to complete the race.
The magnitude of the time is 45 minutes.
But there is no direction associated with Joes
stopwatch. The outcome is the same whether Joes
watch is facing west or east. Time lacks any spatial
direction. Thus time is a scalar.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size)
and a spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).
EXAMPLE: Give examples of scalars in physics.
SOLUTION:
Speed, distance, time, and mass are scalars. We will
learn about them all later.
EXAMPLE: Give examples of vectors in physics.
SOLUTION:
Velocity, displacement, force, weight and acceleration
are all vectors. We will learn about them all later.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

Speed

Speed Velocity
Direction

direction

magnitude

magnitude

Vector and scalar quantities

Speed and velocity are examples of vectors you are
already familiar with.
Speed is what your speedometer reads (say 35 km h-1)
while you are in your car. It does not care what direction
you are going. Speed is a scalar.
Velocity is a speed in a particular direction (say 35 km
h-1 to the north). Velocity is a vector.
VECTOR
SCALAR

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
Suppose the following movement of a ball takes place
in 5 seconds.
x/m
Note that it traveled to the right for a total of 15 meters
in 5 seconds. We say that the balls velocity is +3 m/s
(+15 m / 5 s). The (+) sign signifies it moved in the
positive x-direction.
Now consider the following motion that takes 4
seconds.
x/m
Note that it traveled to the left for a total of 20 meters.
In 4 seconds. We say that the balls velocity is - 5 m/s
(20 m / 4 s). The () sign signifies it moved in the
negative x-direction.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
It should be apparent that we can represent a vector
as an arrow of scale length.
v = +3 m s-1

x/m
x/m

v = -4 m s-1
There is no requirement that a vector must lie on
either the x- or the y-axis. Indeed, a vector can point in
any direction.
Note
that when the vector is at an
-1
s
m
angle, the sign is rendered
3
=
v
meaningless.v
= 4
m s -1

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Vector and scalar quantities
PRACTICE:

SOLUTION:
Weight is a vector.
Thus A is the answer by process of elimination.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
Consider two vectors drawn to scale: vector A and
vector B.
In print, vectors are designated in bold non-italicized
print: A, B.
When taking notes, place an arrow over your vector
quantities, like this:
B
A
Each vector has a tail, and a tip (the arrow end).
tip
tail
B
A
tail

tip

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
Suppose we want to find the sum of the two vectors A
+ B.
We take the second-named vector B, and translate it
towards the first-named vector A, so that Bs TAIL
connects to As TIP.
The result of the sum, which we are calling the vector
S (for sum), is gotten by drawing an arrow from the
START of A to the FINISH of B.
tip
tail
B
A
START

tail

FINISH

=S
B
+
A

tip

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
As a more entertaining example of the same
technique, let us embark on a treasure hunt.

And ye'll
be findin'
a

Arrgh, matey.
First, pace off
the
first
vector
Then, pace
A.
off the
second
vector B.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
We can think of the sum A + B = S as the directions on
a pirate map.
We start by pacing off the vector A, and then we end
by pacing off the vector B.
S represents the shortest path to the treasure.
B
end

A
S
start

A+ B = S

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
PRACTICE:

SOLUTION:
Resultant is another word for sum.
Draw the 7 N vector, then from its
tip, draw a circle of radius 5 N:
The shortest
Various choices for the 5 N vector are
possible vector
illustrated, together with their vector sum:
is 2 N.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors

SOLUTION:
Sketch the sum.

y
x

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
Just as in algebra we learn that to subtract is the same
as to add the opposite (5 8 = 5 + -8), we do the same
with vectors.
Thus A - B is the same as A + - B.
All we have to do is know that the opposite of a vector
is simply that same vector with its direction reversed.
B
the vector B
B
A + -B
-

the opposite of the vector B

Thus, A - B = A + - B

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
SOLUTION:
Sketch in
the difference.

Z=X

-Y

x
-y

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
To multiply a vector by a scalar, increase its length in
proportion to the scalar multiplier.
Thus if A has a length of 3 m, then 2A has a length of
6 m.
2A
A
To divide a vector by a scalar, simply multiply by the
reciprocal of the scalar.
Thus if A has a length of 3 m, then A / 2 has a length
of (1/2)A, or 1.5 m.
A/2
A
FYI
In the case where the scalar has units, the units of the
product will change. More later!

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

y/m

Combination and resolution of vectors

Suppose we have a ball moving simultaneously in the
x- and the y-direction along the diagonal as shown:
FYI
The green balls are just the shadow of the red
ball on each axis. Watch the animation
repeatedly and observe how the shadows also
have velocities.

x/m

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

9m

y/m

Combination and resolution of vectors

We can measure each side directly on our scale:
Note that if we move the 9 m side to the right we
complete a right triangle.
Clearly, vectors at an angle can be broken down into
the pieces represented by their shadows.

25 m

23.3 m

x/m

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars
Combination and resolution of vectors
Consider a generalized vector A as shown below.
We can break the vector A down into its horizontal or
x-component Ax and its vertical or y-component Ay.

vertical
component

AV

AV

We can also sketch in an angle, and perhaps measure

it with a protractor.
In physics and most
sciences we use the Greek
letter (theta)
to represent
an angle.
A
From Pythagoras we
have

A2 = AH2 + AV2.
AH
horizontal
component

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

opposite

Combination and resolution of vectors

Recall the trigonometry of a right triangle:
A
A
opp AV
sin = opp V cos = adj AH
tan =
adj AH
hyp A
hyp
e
s
u
A ten
o
AV = A sin
p
y
h
s-o-h-c-a-h-t-o-a
adjacent
trigonometric
ratios
AH = A cos
EXAMPLE: What is sin 25 and what is cos 25?
SOLUTION:
sin 25 = 0.4226

FYI
Set your calculator to deg using
your mode function.

Topic 1: Measurement and uncertainties

1.3 Vectors and scalars

AV = A sin

= 45 sin 36 = 26 m

AV

AV

Combination and resolution of vectors

EXAMPLE: A student walks 45 m on a staircase that
rises at a 36 angle with respect to the horizontal (the xaxis). Find the x- and y-components of his journey.
SOLUTION: A picture helps.
AH = A cos
m
5
4
=
= 45 cos 36 = 36 m
A
= 36
AH

FYI
To resolve a vector means to break it down into its xand y-components.